Clarkson Evans has named the newly-formed Cheltenham & Gloucester Hospitals charity as its staff charity for 2017.

The charity, which raises funds to support patients being cared for at Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals as well as Stroud Maternity Unit, was selected because it was considered to have broad appeal among staff at the company.

This is the first time that the national electrical contractor, which specialises in wiring new homes, has ever had a staff charity of the year.

Ambitious plans are being put in place to raise as much money as possible for the good cause, with particular emphasis being put on raising money to support the Focus Fund for local cancer patients.

“The charity plays an important role in providing resources that cannot be funded by the NHS, but which in reality make a big difference to patients and their families”, said Nathan Evans, Managing Director at Clarkson Evans.

“Our aim is to raise money to buy items of furniture and equipment such as fold out beds for loved ones to stay overnight next to their seriously ill relatives or rise and recline chairs to improve the comfort of patients requiring regular chemotherapy,” added Nathan.

Staff will be encouraged to get involved in employee supported volunteering projects at the hospitals as well as raising money for the charity by supporting local events such as the newly launched cupcake appeal and the Forest of Dean Triathlon in June.

Richard Smith, Head of Fundraising at the Cheltenham & Gloucester Hospitals Charity, said: “We are very excited to be working in partnership with Clarkson Evans to make a difference for local cancer patients. As two organisations which have long been at the heart of the local community it’s fantastic for us to join together in our first charity of the year partnership.

“Every penny raised by the Clarkson Evans team will directly support the Gloucestershire Oncology Centre through our Focus fund, which will make a real impact for local people fighting cancer.

Our Cancer team are leaders in their field, renowned for their dedication, innovation and patient care and so it is especially fitting for us to be working with Clarkson Evans, the number one electrical contractors in the UK.”

Last year Clarkson Evans raised more than £4,000 for charity – boosting the coffers of Macmillan Cancer Support, Children in Need and children’s cancer charity Clic Sargent.

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